‘Like Nothing in My Lifetime’

At an early morning inauguration party in the Central District, former seattle Mayor Charley Royer said he’s seen nothing like the the enthusiasm and celebration greeting President Barack Obama today. “Totally unique,” he said watching a television stationed in the kitchen of the home of local lobbyists Tim Hatley and Rachel Bianchi. “Like nothing in my lifetime.”

Just a few nights ago, Royer attended the Black Firefighters Union 40th anniversary party marking the hiring of Seattle’s first black firefighter, Claude Harris, in 1959. It was Royer who years later as mayor selected Harris to become Seattle’s first Black fire chief in 1985.

Royer, Seattle’s only three-term mayor, held the city’s top job from 1978 to 1990. Originally a Hillary Clinton supporter at the start of the election process, Royer said he’s pleased with Obama’s success but acknowledged that from here on, the road will be tough. “This is a real difficult time for someone to take leadership in this country,” he said shortly before the 44th president was sworn in.